Choosing early education for your child

Contents

• When is my child entitled to free nursery education?
• Where can I access my free nursery place in North Lanarkshire?
• How many weeks of nursery education will be provided and for how long?
• What can I expect to be charged for additional childcare?
• Is my child able to start nursery before his/her funding starts?
• Can I transfer from one nursery to another and will my funding follow my child?
• Can I tailor times to suit my circumstances?
• Can I split my place between providers?
• Is my child entitled to free transport?
• Do I have the right to send my child to the nursery of my choice?
• What guarantee do I have that the establishment I choose is of a good standard?
• How do I apply for the nursery of my choice?
• Where can I access information on the provision available?
• When will my child transfer from nursery to primary education?

All local authorities have a duty to secure a free part time nursery place for all three and four years olds whose parents wish one.

The benefits of early education for your child are the opportunities:

• to become a confident, eager and enthusiastic learner who is looking forward to school and a lifetime of learning.
• to develop positive attitudes and to feel valued and included and
• to broaden learning opportunities through play

When is my child entitled to free nursery education?

Every child is entitled to a free part-time nursery place from the term following their third birthday.

There are three terms in a school year, these are:

Term one - August to December, to secure a funded place during this term the child's third birthday must be before 31 August.

Term two - January to March, to secure a funded place during this term the child's third birthday must be before 31 December.

Term three - April to June, to secure a funded place during this term the child's third birthday must be before the last date in February.

For example, if your child's third birthday is the 20 October then he or she will be entitled to their funded nursery place from the following January.

The point at which a child becomes three years old determines the amount of terms of pre school education available. All children will therefore be entitled to at least four terms with some older children being entitled to the maximum of six terms.

Some children with particular needs may be admitted to council nurseries from their third birthday with no extra cost to the families. Speak to your nursery head for advice on this.

You can access PDF copies of the choosing early education for your child leaflet by using the "Download or Request by Post" box at the right hand side of the screen.

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